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Nats add to bench depth by signing Frandsen

3/5/14: Kevin Frandsen drives in a run on a single to center field while teammate Darin Ruf is shaken up trying to advance to third

By Bill Ladson
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MLB.com |

JUPITER, Fla. -- In an effort to improve their bench, the Nationals have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free-agent infielder/outfielder Kevin Frandsen. The club announced the deal, worth a reported $900,000, on Wednesday.

To make room for Frandsen, Washington voided its previous option on Ross Ohlendorf and placed the pitcher on the 60-day disabled list with a right lumbar strain. Ohlendorf pitched in only two games this spring.

Frandsen, meanwhile, can play all four infield positions and the corner-outfield spots. The last two years, he served as a valuable bench player with the Phillies. His best year for Philadelphia was in 2012, when he hit .338 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 55 games.

"He has played well the last few years. He can play around the diamond," Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth said.

Manager Matt Williams had said he was looking for a player who could play more than one position, adding that Frandsen will also be the emergency catcher.

"I like options," Williams said. "If we were to look for somebody else, it would be somebody that would give us multiple options, that has the ability to play multiple positions. It's important for your team to have guys that move around, that are experienced in that regard, and [he has] done it."

With Frandsen on the team, this will likely mean that Jeff Kobernus will not be put on the 25-man roster. Kobernus can also play more than one position, but he was hitting .216 going into Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.